Carbon Brief has released an important update. The clean energy sector contributed a record 10% to China’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year. The UK-based platform conducted the analysis based on official figures, industry data and analyst reports.
Solar energy, batteries and electric vehicles played an important role in the dramatic progress seen in the Chinese clean technology sector in recent years. The analysis used a broad definition of clean energy sectors, including nuclear energy and energy storage too.
Simon Evans of Carbon Brief highlighted that the scale and the pace of things has taken people by surprise – but China has been putting substantial efforts into its electric vehicle industry for a long time. “It is a deliberate strategic move,” he noted.
China is likely to continue its progress in clean energy. “They think it makes sense financially and they have invested a huge amount in building up these industries. They are not going to turn back just because Trump says he does not believe in climate change,” Evans added.
